Key Biscayne Guide

Drive across the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway and you’ll enter the subtropical paradise of Key Biscayne. Perfectly positioned off the coast of mainland Miami with idyllic views of the Downtown Miami skyline, Key Biscayne is an oasis of golden beaches and lush nature preserves. It’s also home to iconic restaurants with panoramic views, a one-of-a-kind destination resort and offshore pleasures, from diving an artificial reef to chilling on a sandbar. Once a coconut plantation owned by the Matheson family, Key Biscayne’s beauty has been preserved for all to enjoy.

Escape to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

At the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a treasure to behold. With rugged sand dunes leading to uncrowded beaches and endless ocean views, it's a piece of unspoiled old Florida. The water is typically tranquil here, thanks to a barrier reef located six miles offshore. Marvel at the iconic historic lighthouse built in the 1820s and then follow nature trails that wind through the lush park. For refreshments, there’s a variety of casual waterfront restaurants to choose from as well as shaded picnic pavilions if you prefer bringing your own food.

By Boat or By Car, Enjoy Waterfront Dining at Boater’s Grill

Situated on No Name Harbor within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Boater’s Grill offers a special dining experience. Whether you arrive at this waterfront alfresco restaurant by boat or via the park, grab a table and indulge in the seafood-forward menu with a Latin twist while watching boats sail in and out of the harbor. Think fish croquettes and fresh ceviche to start, whole fried fish or a filet, ranging from freshly caught yellowtail to hogfish, and other delicacies, like seafood paella or stone crab when it’s in season.

Explore A World of Outdoor Recreation At Crandon Park

A wonderful place to commune with the great outdoors, Crandon Park is home to a sandy beach, a tennis center and a marina. Start your adventure at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, where you can embark on self-guided or naturalist-led tours on the nature trails of Bear Cut Preserve, winding through the mangroves and across a boardwalk to a fossilized coral reef. The park is also home to Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne, a championship par-72, 18-hole golf course known for its beauty and its difficulty. You’ll also find kiteboarding, wing foiling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking vendors as well as picnic tables, cabanas and volleyball courts. There’s even the ruins of a former zoo to discover.

Discover the Lost City of Atlantis at Neptune Memorial Reef

Situated due east off Key Biscayne’s shore, Neptune Memorial Reef is one of the largest artificial reefs for both diving and snorkeling. This manmade reef was designed to resemble the lost city of Atlantis and lies 45 feet beneath the ocean’s surface. It’s ideal for novice divers or advanced snorkelers and free divers. To access the reef, book a charter or join a snorkel or dive trip with Diver’s Paradise in Crandon Park. They also offer a variety of scuba courses and certifications.

Chillax Like The Locals At Nixon Beach Sandbar

Another popular boating destination is the Nixon Beach Sandbar, situated just outside the mouth of Hurricane Harbor on the western side of Key Biscayne. These shallow sandflats draw local pleasure cruisers who drop anchor and raft up for a day of fun in the sun, swimming through the clear, shallow waters and lounging on the sandbar beach. Join this Miami tradition by chartering your own boat from one of Miami’s many marinas.

Indulge In Iconic Waterfront Dining at Rusty Pelican

The Rusty Pelican is one of Miami’s most iconic restaurants. Known for its elegant waterfront setting and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the bay and Downtown Miami’s skyline, it makes for the perfect happy hour, dinner or leisurely brunch. Pair your views with a Bienvenido, a Miami cocktail made with locally distilled vodka, lime and ginger beer, along with Rusty Pelican’s extensive menu of contemporary American fare, from crispy whole snapper to surf and turf.

Unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is a destination unto itself. This MICHELIN-selected resort is home to multiple swimming pools, a private beach, a luxury spa and six bars and restaurants. The resort’s signature restaurant, Lightkeepers, serves modern coastal fare and fresh seafood. Beautifully designed, it features a patio overlooking the ocean and a bar inspired by the island’s historic lighthouse. For a more casual meal, Cantina Beach serves Mexican fare beneath a tropical, open-air palapa by the pool, while Dune Burgers On The Beach is a toes-in-the-sand-style lounge serving juicy burgers and bottles of bubbly.

Enjoy Bites and Drinks With A View at Gramps Getaway

Formerly Whiskey Joe's, Gramps Getaway combines the relaxed vibe of the original Gramps in Wynwood with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. Enjoy wallet-friendly cocktails, great beer and a tasty seafood menu from The Lazy Oyster, featuring delicious oysters and lobster rolls. With fun DJs spinning nostalgic tunes, Gramps Getaway is ideal for a post-beach hangout or sunset cocktails.

Don’t stop with our insider guide. There’s plenty more to discover on Key Biscayne, starting with its outstanding dining scene.